Raft, Mud, & Paint Summer Camp: Rapids. Paintballs. Mud. One Epic Summer Adventure.

Conquer raging rapids, battle it out in competitive paintball, and charge through a mud obstacle course on this unforgettable high-adventure trip to ACE Adventure Resort in West Virginia.

Girls Rafting on the river

No Comfort Zones—Just Rapids, Rivals, and Real Challenges.

Raft, Mud, & Paint Camp is for teens ready to test their limits, build lasting friendships, and take on Class IV rapids, pro-level paintball, and muddy team challenges like never before.

2026 Session Dates & Availability:

 
Session 3 (June 14th-19th)Registration Open
Tuition$999/week
girl on the water slide

Ready to start your adventure at Camp Kern?

Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for the best summer ever. Camp Kern is waiting – are you in?

Every child deserves a chance to experience camp.

We offer financial assistance to help make Camp Kern accessible for all families. Visit our Financial Assistance page to learn more — we’re here to help.

Your Camper’s Week at a Glance: What to Expect at Camp Kern

Discover what your child can expect at YMCA Camp Kern’s Traditional Camp! From cabins to campfires, explore the daily routine, activities, and supportive environment that make our overnight camp unforgettable.

7:30 AM – Wake-Up & Cabin Clean-Up

7:45 AM – Flag Raising & Morning Assembly

8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Flag Raising & Morning Assembly
9:30 AM – Choice Activity (Archery, Canoeing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)
10:45 AM – Cabin Act (Cabin Choice Activity & Age-Appropriate High Adventure Activity)
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Rest Hour

2:15 PM – Clubs (Canoes, Climbing, Arts & Crafts, etc.)

3:30 PM – Swimming
5:00 PM – Dinner
6:00 PM – Kern Zone
7:00 PM – Evening Program (Village Games Cookout, Big Game, etc.)

8:30 PM – Cabin Time & Reflections
9:00 PM – Lights Out (younger campers)
10:00 PM – Lights Out (older campers)

Outdoor Adventure & Nature

  • Nature Hikes

  • Wilderness Skills (fire building, shelter making)

  • Creek Exploration

  • Environmental Education

  • Animal Encounters (camp farm animals)

  • Bug Hunts

  • Star Gazing & Astronomy


Water Fun

  • Canoeing

  • Kayaking

  • Swimming in the Pool

  • Lake Play (stand-up paddleboards, splash games)

  • Water Olympics

Challenge & Ropes

  • Climbing Wall

  • High Ropes Course

  • Zip Line

  • Team-Building Low Ropes

  • Trust Falls & Group Challenges


Creative Arts

  • Arts & Crafts

  • Tie-Dye

  • Nature Art

  • Face Painting

  • Friendship Bracelets

  • Camp Journaling


Sports & Games

  • Archery

  • Gaga Ball

  • Basketball

  • Soccer

  • Ultimate Frisbee

  • Volleyball

  • Camp-Wide Capture the Flag

  • Counselor Hunt

  • Scavenger Hunts


Drama & Performance

  • Skit Night

  • Improv Games

  • Talent Shows

  • Lip Sync Battles

  • Campfire Songs & Storytelling


Evening & All-Camp Programs

  • Opening & Closing Campfires

  • Cabin Challenge Nights

  • Themed Dance Parties

  • All-Camp Games

  • Glow Night

  • Night Hikes

  • S’mores & Reflections

Sunday – Welcome Campfire
Kick off the week with songs, s’mores, and getting to know your cabin.

Monday – Village Games 
Start your week off with friendly competition amongst the other campers in your village.

Tuesday – Camp Out/Cook Out Night
Sleep under the stars after a night of fire-cooked food, stories, and classic camp fun with your cabin.

Wednesday – Big Game
Team up with your cabin mates solve the mystery and save Camp Kern from the villain of the week!

Thursday – Closing Campfire & Vespers
End the week with songs, stories, recognition, reflection ,and meaningful goodbyes.

Friday – Underseige, Camp Dance & Talent Show

Finish your week with an epic tag game, dancing, and memories to last forever.

Breakfast

  • Scrambled eggs

  • Pancakes with syrup

  • Turkey sausage

  • Fresh fruit

  • Cereal & milk

  • Water & 100% juice

Lunch

  • Grilled cheese or deli sandwich

  • Tomato soup

  • Veggie sticks with ranch

  • Apple slices

  • Cookie

  • Water or lemonade

Dinner

  • BBQ chicken

  • Mac & cheese

  • Steamed broccoli

  • Dinner roll

  • Salad bar

  • Water or fruit punch

Snack

  • Trail mix

  • Granola bar

  • Frozen fruit pops

  • Goldfish crackers

  • Water jugs available all day